UPSC Prelims Marathon 12 May – The Vedic Age (Rig Vedic and Later Vedic) – 2025

With reference to the Early Vedic economy, consider the following statements:
1.Cattle rearing was the dominant occupation of the Early Vedic Aryans, with cows being central to their economic and social life.
2.Agriculture was entirely unknown to the Early Vedic people and finds no mention in the Rigvedic texts.
3.Economic transactions during the Early Vedic period were largely conducted through barter, with cows being a common medium of exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Early Vedic society, consider the following statements:
1.The basic unit of the Rigvedic society was the family, which was patriarchal in nature.
2.The caste system was rigidly enforced during the Early Vedic period, with occupational roles strictly determined by birth.
3.Women could participate in tribal assemblies and had the right to choose their husbands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Later Vedic society, consider the following statements:
1.The institution of gotra emerged during this period, and marriage within the same gotra was prohibited.
2.The varna system became more defined, with Brahmanas and Kshatriyas receiving tributes from Vaishyas.
3.The ashrama system, including all four stages of life, was fully developed and institutionalized during the Later Vedic period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Early Vedic religion, consider the following statements:
1.Indra was the most frequently mentioned deity in the Rigveda and was associated with rain and war.
2.Temples and idol worship were important components of the Early Vedic religious practices.
3.Sacrifices (yajnas) were performed primarily for material gains like cattle, progeny, and success in battle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the religious developments in the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:
1.Vishnu and Rudra became more prominent deities in the Later Vedic texts compared to their minor roles in the Rigveda.
2.The concept of avataras (incarnations) of Vishnu is frequently mentioned in the Later Vedic literature.
3.The Upanishads criticized the excessive ritualism of yajnas and introduced philosophical ideas like karma and moksha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Early Vedic polity, consider the following statements:
1.The rajan was the elected chief of the jana, assisted by assemblies such as sabha and samiti, which played a role in limiting his powers.
2.The Early Vedic polity featured a hereditary monarchy based on the rule of primogeniture.
3.The early Vedic army (sena) was a permanent standing force maintained by the state.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to political developments during the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:
1.Hereditary kingship and the concept of divine rule began to take shape during this period.
2.The role of popular assemblies increased significantly in decision-making during this period.
3.A rudimentary administrative structure and taxation system began to emerge, laying the foundation for later territorial states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?